Q: Some abnormal events have occurred since bringing my mask home. Would like to know the history of this mask as soon as possible. Please… Spencer, 1291 A: You should be okay. It’s not a real mask. And remember that masks have spiritual power only in the culture that uses them. Carvings like this are meant to be sold at airports and tourist destinations. I get a lot of pictures of these souvenirs. Most of the new owners think they have bought a “mask” that has been used in a ceremony and might be worth some money. Of course, my answer usually disappoints them. I hope you are pleased instead. …
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Popular Japanese mask
Q: I just purchased a gorgeous Noh theater mask of what I assume to be a Hannya character. I was hoping I could get more information, an appraisal, etc. Give me a response and I’ll send you guys some photos. Cameron, 1290 A: I must charge for appraisals, however I usually include a letter grade that suggests value… and it is free. Your brand new Noh mask may not be the famous she devil. I’ve also posted another mask that looks more like her. There are several other characters that resemble Hannya. I couldn’t find one with black skin and white hair in my book. You could do a Google…
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Prison art of beverage pull tabs
There were some great masks on eBay in the late 1990’s. That’s when I bought this. It was made by someone with plenty of time– perhaps a prisoner. A few years later I sold it to a now-deceased mask lover who had a show called Masks at the James Cohan Gallery in NYC in 2008. I can’t help wondering where it is now. The larger photo with model may have been taken recently. The smaller one was taken by me and is on page 105 of Masks of the World by Ibold and Yohn. Bob, 1289 A
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Scar’s mask from The Lion King
This hugely successful broadway show tells the story of Simba, a young lion who is to succeed his father, Mufasa, as King of the Pride Lands; however, after Simba’s uncle Scar (Mufasa’s jealous younger brother), murders Mufasa, Simba is manipulated into thinking he was responsible and flees into exile. Don’t worry, it has a happy ending. The costumes were designed by Julie Taymor and Michael Curry. Theater masks don’t get any better than this. I believe you can purchase nice reproductions on eBay. Bob, 1288 A+
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Haitian masks are not expensive
Besides being known as a beautiful, colonial beach side town, Jacmel is one of the leading producers of papier-mâché in all of Haiti. In fact, this dazzling town of about 40,000 residents is famous for its arts and has dozens of studios and shops where papier-mâché is made, sold and celebrated especially during Haiti’s Carnival, which is pre-Lenten and was introduced to the African slaves who worked in cane fields and sugar factories many years ago. Now would be a good time to visit Jacmel. Bob,1287 B+
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Koryak mask from Siberia
In Siberia, wood masks were used only by the Koryak people and were of simple construction, usually depicting gaunt-faced men. Animal masks or masks of semi-human beings, so widely used in North America, were not known. The reduced importance of masquerade in Northeastern Siberia as compared with northwestern America makes them hard to find. Koryak masks are most similar to masks of Native Americans from Barrow, Alaska. Bob, 1286
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Javanese tourist mask
Q: Would like to know origin of this mask. Very light weight and paint looks original. Bought, as usual, at a thrift shop. Thinking Java? Mickey, 1285 A: It is from Java, but not old. It is easy to see that this decorative wall-hanging was quickly carved, painted with some nice colors, and then antiqued to make it look old. Antiquing is easy to do with stained varnish and a rag. On this piece it is obvious, but some mask makers are very skilled and can fool you. Mickey bought it at a thrift store for very little money, but some tourists pay a lot more thinking the mask is…
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Ancient Greek theater mask
Greek theater began in the 6th century BCE in Athens with the performance of tragedy plays at religious festivals. These, in turn, inspired the genre of Greek comedy plays. The two types of Greek drama would be hugely popular and performances spread around the Mediterranean and influenced Hellenistic and Roman theater. Thus the works of such great playwrights as Sophocles and Aristophanes formed the foundation upon which all modern theater is based. The early tragedies had only one actor who would perform in costume and wear a mask, allowing him to impersonate gods. Later, the actor would often speak to the leader of the chorus, a group of up to…
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Noh masks can change expression
Since we have just seen Blake’s Noh maiden, I found this pic on Wikipedia. It shows a mask straight on, slightly tilted, and then tilted more. This is just another example of what makes these masks so extraordinary. The performer (always a man) can change the character’s expression by simple tilting his head. This photo is hi-res so you can enlarge it. There is much more about Noh masks in the Wikipedia story. Bob
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Woman character in Noh theater
Q: It appears to be a traditional Noh Mask, although I am not sure if its authentic or a reproduction. The glossy back inside of the mask throws me off. Would it be worth appraising? Thanks! Blake, 1282 A: This type of female mask is almost as popular as the she-devil known as Hannya. The craftsmanship that goes into Japanese masks for the theater is arguably the most advanced in the world. The best ones are carefully carved out of wood, then painted and sanded many times. This one is a very careful reproduction made out of a strong, molded material. The Japanese hang these in their homes and give…
